South Wales & Gwent Retain Giffard Plate in Repeat of 2018 Final

Defending Champions South Wales & Gwent once again faced up to Devon & Cornwall at Swindon CC in a repeat of the 2018 Final held at Bath CC.

An overcast morning eventually gave way to periodic cloud and sun.

SWG won the toss and had no hesitation inviting D& C to bat first. Tight accurate bowling from all the SWG bowlers kept the run rate low and with a steady fall of wickets throughout the innings D& C were never allowed to dominate proceedings eventually closing on 131 all out after 40.5 overs.

Only Mike Brown 37 and Luke Smith 35 showed any resistance with all the SWG bowlers in the wickets, Martin 3-28, Wallace 3-32, Evans 2-24, Williams 1-32 and Smyth 1-12.

After what was described as a 'sumptuous" spread courtesy of Jean & Laurie the SWG reply began with Capt Martin and Hemp opening the innings.Despite rotating the 6 bowlers D&C struggled to get a breakthrough until the 18th over when Hemp fell to Brown for 31 bringing Wallace in at No3.

No further problems were encountered by the batsmen and victory came in the 26th over with Martin 41* and Hemp 31* so a win by 9 wickets and 19 overs to spare.

Mick Martin was elected Player of the Match for his 41* and 3-28.

Many thanks to Swindon CC for hosting this Final Sponsored by Police Credit Union.